History of NABA Club

A home in recovery since 1957.

Our Beginning

A Vision of Support

In the late 1950s, a group of recovering alcoholics in Atlanta recognized a pressing need: a place not only for meetings, but for fellowship, accountability, and daily connection. In 1957, they formally incorporated as the Northside Alcoholics Benevolent Association (NABA).

By March of 1958, their vision became reality with the dedication of the first NABA Clubhouse on Peachtree Road. It was a bold step—a safe, sober gathering place when such spaces were rare.

“We knew we needed more than just chairs in a room—we needed a sanctuary.”

“We knew we needed more than just chairs in a room—we needed a sanctuary.”

“If you needed a meeting, NABA had a chair for you.”

Building a Home in Recovery

Through the 1960s and beyond, NABA Club became a hub of recovery in Atlanta. Members didn’t just show up—they showed up for one another. With growing attendance and community support, the Club moved into a larger, purpose-built facility on Briarwood Road in 1965.

By 1971, NABA had proven itself and was destined for greater things. It was time for an expansion to accommodate the demand for meetings, fellowship and community. The dedication of the new NABA building was held exactly 10 years after the dedication of the original building thereby doubling the square footage, adding a professional kitchen and creating 4 sizeable meeting rooms. As the recovery community expanded, NABA Club’s reach and programming increased to insure it would remain a lifeline especially for those in early sobriety.

“If you needed a meeting, NABA has a chair for you. ”

Community,
Fellowship, and Service

From its earliest days, NABA has been self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of its members. There are no outside grants, no corporate sponsors—just people helping people. Over the years, thousands have passed through its doors, finding not only sobriety, but friendship, laughter, mentorship, and purpose.

The Club has hosted annual AA Events, helped spark the growth of dozens of new meetings at NABA, and offered countless hours of one-on-one sponsorship and shared experience.

“Everyone here has a story. What matters is the one you’re writing now.”

“Everyone here has a story. What matters is the one you’re writing now.”

Our Legacy

Then and Now

For over 65 years, NABA Club has remained a constant presence in the recovery community.
While the city has changed around it, the Club’s mission has not:
To be a safe, welcoming place for anyone seeking assistance in the recovery from alcoholism.
Whether it’s your first meeting or your five-thousandth, you’ll find open doors, strong coffee, and someone ready to listen.

Why

Our History Matters

NABA’s story is one of resilience, service, and deep compassion. It reminds us that recovery is not something we do alone—and that even in our darkest moments, there’s a place where light persists.

“What started in 1957 still saves lives today. One meeting at a time.”

“What started in 1957 still saves lives today. One meeting at a time.”

Want to Be of Service?

Join our volunteer teams to help clean, make coffee, greet newcomers, and support special events.